Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics 6-155 Jackson Hall 321 Church St. SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 612-625-6100

The Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics (BMBB) graduate program is an interdisciplinary program that is supported by the College of Biological Sciences (CBS) and the Medical School of the University of Minnesota. The program provides a broad research-based education involving faculty from BMBB, as well as many faculty members from several other departments in CBS, the Medical School, the College of Science and Engineering (CSE), the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences (CFANS), and the College of Veterinary Medicine. BMBB focuses on determining the molecular mechanisms that underlie basic biological functions using an integrated approach that encompasses biochemistry, chemistry, biophysics, genomics, molecular biology, proteomics, and structural biology. Special emphasis is placed on revealing how biological processes go awry in diseases including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and AIDS. The program has four areas of emphasis: synthetic biology and biotechnology, molecular biology, metabolic and systems biology, and chemical and structural biology. All students are expected to demonstrate a minimum level of competence in these areas but will emphasize the area most related to their thesis project. While graduate training in a BMBB laboratory involves first-year coursework and associated preliminary examinations, the focal point for graduate education is thesis research. Laboratory-based exploration coupled with journal clubs, seminars, scientific meetings and retreats, career counseling and scientific ethics constitutes the major components of the program. Support for graduate education comes from a variety of sources but is augmented by several NIH and NSF-based training grants. Most graduate students from the University of Minnesota obtain full-time employment immediately after graduation or pursue advanced training in academic or corporate positions. Students pursuing a degree in BMBB are only admitted to the PhD program (see note below) under the auspices of Molecular, Cellular and Structural Biology (MCSB), a first year program administered by BMBB and the Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics (MCDB&G) graduate programs. After the first year, students select either BMBB or MCDB&G to complete their degree. ***Note: Pursuit of a Master's degree in BMBB is not an option at the point of admission. Students are only admitted to the BMBB PhD program. If you are interested in a Master's-only program, however, the Master of Biological Science (MBS) program is available for working professionals, including scientific staff working at the University of Minnesota. This program is offered through the College of Continuing Education (CCE) and is flexible with respect to time and focus of study. Please visit the program website for more information (http://www.cce.umn.edu/Master-of-Biological-Sciences/index.html).

The program can accommodate for a variety of educational backgrounds. However, applications from students with an advanced degree in the biological, chemical, or physical sciences are encouraged.

Other requirements to be completed before admission:

Recommended academic preparation includes one year each of calculus, organic chemistry, and basic biology, including biochemistry and genetics. For students of demonstrated ability, background deficiencies can be made up during the first year of graduate study. Successful applicants must have previous research experience in an academic or industrial setting in addition to any course-related laboratory experiences. It is important to demonstrate familiarity with an aptitude for basic science research prior to embarking on a graduate career in this program. ***Note: Students are admitted only to the PhD program for BMBB (see additional note below).

Additionally, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with their academic and research capabilities. A statement of interests and goals, a complete set of transcripts, and official scores from the General Test of the GRE are required. The GRE Subject Test in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, biology, or chemistry is strongly recommended, but not required. The deadline to submit a completed application is December 1. Completed files are reviewed between January and February. Graduate studies begin fall semester only. ***Note: Pursuit of a Master's degree in BMBB is not an option at the point of admission. Students are only admitted to the BMBB PhD program. If you are interested in a Master's-only program, however, the Master of Biological Science (MBS) program is available for working professionals, including scientific staff working at the University of Minnesota. This program is offered through the College of Continuing Education (CCE) and is flexible with respect to time and focus of study. Please visit the program website for more information (http://www.cce.umn.edu/Master-of-Biological-Sciences/index.html).

Requirements for the Masters degree include core coursework, thesis credits, and laboratory experiences taken by all students as well as coursework in one of the four BMBB emphases: synthetic biology and biotechnology, molecular biology, metabolic and systems biology, or chemical and structural biology. Additionally, all students are expected to participate in the seminars involving student reports on current literature and research. A thesis based on original laboratory research is required.